Starting a new job. What about Surgery?

[debra102364 148]

My surgery is scheduled for October 8. Now have to cancel. I got a job and start on September 30th. I wonder since I am just starting, if I could still take 2 weeks off for surgery and recovery in a few months. I should have waited. What to do? I guess I will ask HR before I even start.

[mousecat88 2,279]

I know plenty of people that if you let them know you have a surgery or a prior vacation scheduled before you got the job, they will still let you take the time off. So, like if you told them you need off on the 8th and for 2 weeks to recover, they may still let you since that was a surgery scheduled well before you accepted the position.

[S@ssen@ch 745]

I agree with mousecat88. If you tell your new employer that you have a pre-scheduled vacation or something, most employers will be understanding about that.

If they aren't or you'd just like to avoid the discussion, most companies will give you an employee handbook at orientation and you can see their policy about taking time off. Some companies have limitations about time off in the probationary period (usually 90d, but up to 6 months).

[levinme 15]

Yeah - tell HR about the surgery, negotiate that as part of the job offer.

I would not cancel it if I were you !!!!

If it's a desk type job, you probably don't need to take 2 weeks off for it. I felt like I could have gone back to work after 4 days but I took a week in any case. Just tell them about it and let them know it's something you have been working towards for a long time and need to do. Companies can also advance you PTO if needed to for things; there's lots of options to explore.

[debra102364 148]

I thank you for your advice. This job is at the hospital that I am going to have the surgery at. So maybe they will work with me.

Edited September 12, 2019 by debra102364

[levinme 15]

OMG - they will totally work with you... good luck!

[Bastian 458]

I know here in UK that when accepting a position they have to honour any pre booked holidays and certainly surgery.

Don't cancel it, it is really important and I bet they will be very understanding.

[New&Improved 1,780]

Yeah explain everything you can still sign the contract just start the position after surgery